The fabulous beaches, hopping nightlife and long list of attractions make Acapulco one of Mexico’s hottest destinations, but more importantly its one of those few places where budget travelers can actually have one of their best vacations ever. Acapulco’s cheap and friendly atmosphere has been luring backpackers and students for years, and if you’re budget is tight, the city can offer you the best of it for as low as around $30 a day.
Students flock to the city to party during the school holidays such as Spring break in March, where you’ll find the city’s already festive atmosphere enlivened even more with college students filling the beaches and nightclubs. As the weather is pretty much perfect all year round in Acapulco, budget travelers seeking a little more quiet should opt to travel during the low season times, when low prices will get even cheaper.
Although you’ll find a host of budget accommodation in Acapulco, The Kingdom Youth Hostel is one of the city’s best, with its own uncrowded beach at just $15 a night. Located in Puerto Marques on a quiet spot by the water, it costs just $1 to get to the party district by taxi yet is an oasis of calm for travelers in need for some respite. Also worth checking out are the special deals regularly offered by the hotels lining the Costera, the city’s main strip, such as the Crowne Plaza and the Continental Emporio. Cheap motels dotting the city will set you back as for little as $10 a day. Do some research though before you book (or walk in), some of these cheaper places can be lacking in the cleanliness department.
Another wonderful thing about Acapulco is that there’s plenty to see and do, and a lot of it is absolutely free. Some of the city’s best freebies include the Magico Mundo Marino where you can watch the piranha, crocodiles and turtles being fed, the Centro de Conventions complex which has everything from gardens, theatres and art exhibits to fiestas, huge fountains and swimming with dolphins. Of course, you musn’t miss the famous La Quebrada Divers who gracefully plunge from cliffs 45 metres high. If you want a better look, $3 will buy you a bird’s eye view from the stone platforms. Also worth exploring are the colorful open-air markets and beaches in and around the city, where you’ll find a variety of crowds, sand and surf to suit your taste.
Eating well and very cheaply is another specialty of Acapulco. For authentic (and dirt cheap) Mexican street food, look no further than the nearest “Mercado” (or market), which is also the perfect place to get to know the friendly locals. Other favorites to try out are the “I Amigo Miguel” for fantastic seafood at low prices and “Mi Parri Pollo” which serves a mean breakfast.
Acapulco is a party city when the sun goes down and those looking for a great night out will be spoilt for choice with the massive selection of bars, nightclubs and discos to be found. While some of the city’s most popular nightclubs may be on the steep side (think $30 for the cover fee which includes free drinks), it is well worth it for a special night of getting decked out and dancing the night away in the city’s unique atmosphere. Check out Carlos ‘n Charlie’s, the Hard Rock CafÈ and Baby O’s for the best music and coolest crowds.